files/pictures/picture-35.jpgThe latest downloadable Acrobat edition of Animation World Magazine is now on virtual stands. This edition covers independent animation. Karen Raugust reports that despite the wide gap in budgets and resources, independent animation houses can learn from the major media companies' digital/new media activities. Raugust also looks at how animation executives rely on their big-studio experience to launch new indie production houses. Joe Strike sheds some light on what distributors are looking for when they go out searching for animation to acquire.
Additionally, Bill Desowitz finds out what's cooking with Disney/Pixar's RATATOUILLE when he discusses the ingredients with master chef Brad Bird and his colleagues. Joe Strike chats with stop-motion masters at Aardman Animation about brining their distinct British humor to an Americanized version of CREATURE COMFORTS. Prior to the Disney/Pixar RATATOUILLE presentation at WonderCon earlier this year, Andrew Farago was granted a one-on-one interview with comedian/actor/writer Patton Oswalt to discuss his starring role in the film.
In columns, Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman lays down the laws of animation, which involve creation, evolution and intelligent design. Are agents perfect matchmakers? Mark Simon makes a date with that question in this month's "Mind Your Business." In her column, Nancy Cartwright continues her series of chats with animation veterans, talking with voice-over director Ginny McSwain. In "Career Coach," Pamela Kleibrink Thompson paints the art of conversation, which should center on dialogue, not monologues.
In reviews, Philippe Moins travels to the Annecy Animated Film Festival and finds a lineup of out-the-ordinary animation. Karen Raugust reports on the raft of animated films, television series and interactive properties, from major studios and independent animators alike, which were on display at Licensing International this year. Russell Bekins searches for the diamonds in the rough at the 2007 Annecy Animated Film Festival while answering 20 irritating questions. Chris Feldman gives us his thoughts of anime release such as TO HEART, DEMON PRINCE ENMA and HIGHLANDER: THE SEARCH FOR VIOLENCE. For "Press Start," Peter Rizkalla takes a historical look at the top five arcade fighter games of all time. Mark Simon tries out Toon Boom's Storyboard Pro to find out how the new software ranks in the world of digital storyboarding. And as always Taylor Jessen has five short film reviews in "Fresh from the Festivals."
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